HB 1402 Summary

• Requires the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to conduct at least one but no more than two unannounced annual inspections of state-operated children's institutions and facilities.

• Grants the Office authority to examine records and budgets, interview residents, access all facilities within the children and youth service system, subpoena witnesses, and hold public hearings.

• Establishes a voluntary mediation program for foster parents to resolve complaints concerning their rights under the Dispute Resolution Act, with investigations forwarded to the Office of Client Advocacy.

• Authorizes the Office to receive complaints of retaliation or discrimination against foster parents by Department of Human Services or child-placing agency employees, including threats of child removal, harassment, or refusal to place children.

• Requires annual recommendations to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth by May 1 and protects complainant confidentiality unless ordered released by a court for good cause; effective November 1, 2025.